Building construction



D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INVENTOR.

7 Sheets-Sheet l [aka 0v /7 Min/v Filed Dec.

ATTORNEY.

Oct- 25, 1932. c w soN 1,884,462

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13. 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 JNVENTOR. QBv flew/v F. Maw.

A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed Dec. 13. 1928 INVENTOR. v KMH/A QMAZw/V A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7Sheets-Sheet 4 (bx- 1w ,9. Mlla'on A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. 0. WILLSON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. [@ek m 2 W450 A TTORNEY.

Oct. 25, 1932. 11 w so 1,884,462

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 13, 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.(bar/#2 M14 Jaw A TTORNE Y.

Oct. 25, 1932. c. D. wlLLsoN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 7Filed Dec. 13, 1928 x INVENTOR- f'aewlv D. Muaw ATTORNEY.

-l R s P'atented Oct. 25, 1932 COBWIK D. WILLSON, OF LAKE ORION,MICHIGAN BUILDING GONSTRUCTION Application filed December 18,1928.Serial No. 325,840.

This invention relates to building construction, and the object of theinvention is to provide a construction for buildings of various typescapable of erection without the use of wood in the form of lumber andthat is simple in construction and readily erected and of even greaterstrength than buildings ordinarily made with the usual wood framing inthe side walls, partitions and roof.

At the present time lumber for building construction is becoming tooexpensive for general use in the'building of houses, garages and smallerstructures, and further the usual wooden building as heretofore madeisnot well insulated from heat or cold and is comparatively costly inerection due to the multiplicity of hand operations required such ascutting and nailing of the lumber in place at the point of erection.

My invention seeks to avoid the use of wood in the form of lumber and toavoid the carpenter work necessary in the cutting of the material andthe securing of it in place and other hand operations substitutingtherefor a standard size of wall panel of a heat insulating material ofcellular form such as the well known Celotex. Masonite, or any of thevarious forms of insulating building material heretofore made in sheetswith this difference that the panel is preferably hollow in form and ofconsiderable thickness between the inner and outer faces to provide awall that is heat and cold insulating toamajor degreeand to sustainthese panels in position in the walls or partitions of the building by ametal framework or skeleton, portions of which are erected previous toplacing of the panels and portions of which may be erected as the panelsare placed.

Subsequent to the positioning of the panels,

the metal framework is placed under tension and the panels undercompression whereby a staunch and serviceable wall is provided avoidingthe use of wood in the form of lumber and securing cheapness of materialand lessened cost of erection.

A further object and feature of the invention is to provide a buildingconstruction in which the walls, partit ons, floor or roof are formed ofpanels practically all of a uniform shape in a metal skeleton placedunder tension and the panels under compression with the framework orskeleton so arranged that expansion and contraction of the'materialsthrough variations in temperature is compensated for without materialvariation 1n compression and tension strains.

The principal feature of the invention is 1n the provision of a lightweight metal skeleton or framework insuflicient of and by itself I towithstand the strains and load to which the structure may be subjectedin the buildmg as for instance the metal framework for the wall sectionsis insufiicient in and of itself to sustain the load of a complete roof)and to combine with this skeleton framework filler members of heatinsulating character and capable of withstanding compression strains atleast to that degree to which they may be subjected to such strains inthe buildmg being constructed.

Thus a fundamental and essential characteristic of this invention is abuilding havmg the walls, partitions, floors, and roof elements formedof a metal framework capable of being placed under tension subsequent tothe positioning of the panels or filler members therein and to therebyprovide a construction in which the metal framework forms the tensionelement and the tiller members or panels form the compression element ofa self-sustaining wall, floor, partition, or roof unit.

A further fundamental object of the invention is to provide aconstruction permitting the several elements to be made of a standardsize and shapethat is, the filler members are practically all of auniform size and shape and the metal members may be made in standardlengths and the windows and door frames may be of a size correspondingto the size of the standard filler member or multiple thereof. Theconstruction therefore is of a character lending itself practicallycompletely to modern factory production methods where practically allthe elements entering into building are prepared at a central pointunder quantity production methods by machinery eliminating waste and.oft

further reducing the labor cost at the point of erection of thestructure.

There are several other novel features and objects of the inventionincidental to the main or fundamental features above outlined, such forinstance as the manner of providing the eave and the covering of thecorner osts and rovision of an element taking t e lace what is commonlyknown as the fascia element of the roof gable and various otherincidental details of construction as are hereinafter more fullydescribed.

The invention, as previously stated, is adapted for use in variousstructures and the illustrations and description herein givenprincipally relate to only one formof building structure-namely, a rWelling having various sizes and forms of gable and broken wall linesnormal to structures of this class. It is the purpose of this inventionto provide a construction of the general character outlined, that is ofseparate panels and metal frame elements capable of being tied togetheras a unit subsequent to or as the erection proceeds of standard sizes ofpanels and rods of various standard lengths, but still capable ofconsiderable variation in the arrangement of the walls, roof and floorplan to correspond to various architectural types and to this end isalso of a character permitting the facing of the erected walls,partition or roof elements either in whole or in part with brick,stucco, shingle or other desirable material adaptable for such use but,nevertheless, may and is adapted to be used in construction of cheaperbuildings without such facing material.

These and various other objects and novel features of the invention arehereinafter more fully described, and the preferred form andarrangements of elements for the construction of a building involving myinvention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is aperspective view of a small form of dwelling embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the metal framework erected in a buildingsuch as is illustrated in Fig. 1, this view being principall designed.to give a complete illustration e erected metal framework, it beingunderstood, however, that some portions of this framework are not placeduntil the filler members are first positioned as hereinafter described.I

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred form of the filler orpanel member.

ig. 4 is an enlarged section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail in perspective showing the metal ridge and theconnection of the rods thereto.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken through the roof on.line 6-6of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken on line 7-7 of Fig. 1showing the construction of the wall and the manner of connecting theroof elements therewith.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on line 8-8 of Fig. 2 showing a cornerformed by two walls ying at a right angle one to the other.

ig. 9 is a horizontal section of an outside wall and an inner partitionwall showing the arrangement of the metal elements and filler members.

Fig. 10 is a similar view of another form of the same constructionillustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a detail in perspective showing the arrangement of the metalelements in a floor construction.

Fig. 12 is a section taken on line 1212 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged horizontal section through a wall at a windowopening. p

Fig. 14 is a section on an enlarged scale taken substantially on line14-14.- of Fig. 1. Fig. 15 is a perspective View of the skeletonframework at the same point as Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a section taken on line l6l6 of Fig. 1 showing the facing ofthe roof element at the gable end of the building.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged horizontal section through a wall showing theframe at a door opening.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of another form of filler member used forinstance in a ceiling where lightness in weight of the structure isdesired.

Fig. 19 is a detail showing one method of supporting the vertical postsin the base.

Fig. 20 is a detail showing one method of connecting the main horizontalmember, with a vertical member of the metal framework.

,Fig. 21 is an alternative plan of a floor or roof structure.

Fig. 22 is a cross section of the preferred form of the strengtheningmeans.

The construction hereinafter described in detail is firstly to beunderstood as adapted for the construction of buildings of varioustypes, as houses of various forms and other building structures, smallcheaply constructed garages, and buildings for various purposes asstorage sheds etc., and contemplates the construction of a completebuilding formed of a metal framework and filler members supported undercompression by the applied tension of the metal elements and then merelysurfaced in some cheap manner as by painting or stucco finish as may bedesired.

For this purpose the filler members should be made as nearly moistureproof as is possible and also fire retardent by chemical treatment orotherwise and of an insulating material whereby the interior of thebuilding is insulated from heat or cold.

To illustrate the invention I have shown principally one form ofbuilding-namely, a dwelling of the cheaper or bungalow type as indicatedin Fig. 1 to illustrate some of the and shingles respectively.

In any structure tolbe made according to myinvention the major portionof the metal framework may be first erected and this metal framework maybe erected in conjunction with 'a concrete or similar foundation suchfor instance as is indicated at 1 in Fig. 7. In this case the concretefoundation is shown as being placed directly uponan earth foundation assug' ested at 2 so that the concrete at the point 3 supports the fillermembers of the floor in this instance of use. With such a lbs foundatipnI provide vertical rods 4 bent at their lower ends as at 5 to provide asecure fastening of the end of the rod in the concrete base.

As will be understood from Fig. 2 the wall is provided with a series ofsuch rods 4 spaced some uniform distance apart, preferably abouteighteen inches. At the upper end these rods 4 extend through aperturesprovided therefor in one leg of an angle iron 6 as shown in Figs. 2 and7. At each end of'this wall line at each corner ofthe building is avertical angle iron 7 indicated more clearly in Fig. 8. These cornerangle irons at their lower ends may be embedded in the concrete assuggested in Fig. 19 and at their upper ends are preferably attached tothe member 6 as by means of a turned down end 8 on the member 6 whichlies over one leg of a vertical member 7 as is suggested or-indicated inFig. 20. The construction at this point, however, may vary considerablywithout departing from the spirit of the invention as in some cases acorner post may be connected with a horizontal channel by means of abracket such as is indicated at 9 in Fig. 11. In any case the essential'point is that these corner members, which are preferably of angle ironof standard form of section, are provided with a series of apertures toreceive the ends of the horizontal rods 10, 10 as will be understoodfrom Fig. 2.

In its preferred form the main portion of 0 the framework is formed ofbars of angle or channel formin cross section or even a special form ifdesired either of which is not expensive in comparison with the usualwooden members used for this purpose.

Thus the frame of the structure illustrated may be formed of thesevertical angle irons 7 cross members 6 atthe top also of angle iron forma ridge member 11 either of angle iron as shown -in Fig. 6 or of channelform as 0 indicated in Fig. 15 in which both a ridge and valley areshown. The arrangement of angles and channels may vary considerablydepending u on the form of the building and these speci c examples abovereferred to are given 5 mainly to illustrate the adaptability of theadapt-ed for use in ceilings material in providing a metal framework inthe construction of a building of any desired form after my improvedmethod and means. In any of the possible structures themetal frame workconsists of these angle and'chanv ncl iron members forming the generaloutline of the building and between these members are positioned therods such for instance as the vertical and horizontal rods 4 and 10shown in Fig. 2, the angle and channel iron members having apertures toreceive the rods. WVhat I have hereinafter termed a unit or a unitarystructure is a wall, fioorpartition or roof section consisting of aperipheral frame, the cross rods therein and filler members therefor. Inthe usual building made according to this invention there is necessarilyprovided window and door 0- enings in the metal framework as is hereinater more fully described.

One purpose of my invention is to secure a construction in which thereis a panel inember of the desired material preferably rectangular informand of a size and weight capable of being readily handled by one manand should have alffour edges of this panel supported by metal membersand under compression by reason of the tension of the metal members. Thepreferred form of construction of a panel or filler member adaptable forthis purpose is illustrated in Figs. 3, 4 and 18. It is firstly to beobserved that this invention is not confined to the details ofconstruction of the filler member as shown or of the material of whichthe filler member may be formed by the preferred construction of afiller member is somewhat like the ordinary forms of fiber board nowused in partitions and wall surfaces and may be formed of a fiber of anydesired material and preferably rendered practically fireproof by'beingimpregnated with chemical and the use of a cementitious material of anydesired character as a base. To secure the best insulating effect with amaterial of this nature, the filler member or panel indicated at 18 ispreferably hollow in form as shown more clearly in Figs. 3and 4, therebeing webs 14 extending between the two opposite side faces 15 and 16thereof and in case the wall is to be plastered er finished with astucco exteriorly or interiorly I provide a series of recesses 17 ineither or both faces of the panel greater in diameter at the bottom thanat the surface.

These recesses should be sufficient in quantity to provide a strongsupport for the applied material. Another form of the panel is shown at19 in Fig. 18, it having a face wall 20 and a peripheral rectangularportion indicated at 21. This provides a light panel where a panel ofless weight sustaining character may be employed. In any of the forms ofthe panel or filler members shown the peripheral edges of the panel aregrooved as indicated at 22 and 23 in each of the forms shown. Thegrooves 23 in the ends of the anel are offset relative to the grooves 22in t e longitudinal edges of the panel so that the vertical andhorizontal rods 4 and 10, which are offset the thickness of the rod inthe metal framework, may engage therein. This panel as will readi y beunderstood is supported in the space between 7 two vertical rods 4 andadjacent horizontal rods 10 which, in the arrangement of the frameworkindicated in Fig. 2, is a space of rectangular form to receive thesepanels or channels. After the erection of the perlpheral angle orchannel irons, the vertical rods may all be positioned and then,beginning at the base of the building, the first row of panels ma bepositione therein and as an instance one manner in which this may bedone, let it be considered that the space a: at the lower left handcorner of Fig. 2 first receives a panel.

Upon the positioning of the panel between the vertical rods 4 and thecorner element 7 the horizontal rod is inserted from the left of thefigure over the top of the first positioned panel. Then the panel forthe space y is positioned and the horizontal the end thereof and this isfull row of that wall Previous to positioning the filler member as juststated the edges thereof are coated with a material such for instance astar or asphalt in order to provide a substance that will form a sheathabout the rod and the edges of the adjacent anels. These panels, as willbe understood ater, are. pressed together to cause a closrod moved overcontinued until the section is 1n place.

'ure of any interstice therebetween preventing ingress of air ormoisture. Thus, the rods are protected from deterioration through thepressure of air or moisture insuring long life. The second andsucceeding rows of any wall, floor, partition or roof section may beassembled in the same general manner.

After an entire section within the confines of the angle or channel ironborder frames has been completed, these vertical and horizontal rods 4and 10 are tightened by the nuts 24 as shown more clearly in Figs. 6, 7or 8 which places the panels under compression. The grooves in thepanels are slightly larger than the rods to insure the panels coming toend to end and edge to edge contact and thus, when the structure isplaced under tension by means of these nuts or similar instrumentality,a unitary structure is provided in which the framework forms the tensionmember and the panels the compression member of the unit.

There are various problems arising in the construction of a building ofany of the ordinary forms such for instance as will be understood fromFig. 6 which shows a portion of a roof section. This has the rods 4corresponding to the vertical rods 4 of the wall section and cross rodsor wires 10" corresponding to the horizontal wires 10 of a verticalwall. The panels 18 are positioned in the same general manner aspreviously described with ordinary wall section. The angle iron member 6at the top of the vertical wall has a vertical leg indicated in Fig. 6by the numeral 25 and as the rod 4 does not approach this leg at a rightangle has an outturned end 26 extending through the aperture providedtherefor in this vertical leg of the angle iron 6 to which the nut is tobe applied and the tension on this rod 4 is applied from the upper endat the ridge. Also as these filler blocks or panels 18 of the standardsize and form would not seat in proper edge relation with this verticalleg 25 of the angle 6 at the end of the block, a panel is formed at lessthan a right angle to the lower face as indicated at 27. The lower faceof this panel is of the standard length. The arrangement of the roofedge for the vertical wall or what may be termed the eave is shown inFig. 7 It will be noted that for the purpose of this construction it isnecessary to arrange the vertical leg 25 of the angle iron to provide anabutment for the roof panels and the horizontal leg extends outwardlyforming the top stringer for the wall section and that this lies withthe opening between the legs extending outwardly.

Advantage is taken of this arrangement to provide a filler 28 of a formcovering a portion of this angle iron and may be shaped as by means ofthe groove 29 on its upper face providing a recess for a metal eavetrough. This member 28 may be formed in sections and secured in place asby lag screws 30 extending from the angle iron into the block or filler28. It is not material, however, what manner is pursued in securing thismember 28 in place but it is preferably made in sections capable ofbeing readily handled and positioned subsequent to the erection of thewall and roof panels and the placing of the same under compression bythe tightening of the rods as described. Likewise, the ridge member whenformed of either an angle or channel iron is positioned with the openingbetween the legs uppermost and this space may be covered by any approvedform of filler such as indicated at 31 in Fig. 6 or 48 in Fig. 14. Thefiller 31, as shown in Fig. 6, is preferably provided with an edgeportion 32 overlying the roof indicated as covered with shingles. Thisridge element 31 may also be sustained in position by means of lagscrews 33 extending through the angle iron and into the blocks formingthe ridge but the details of this arrangement may be variedmateriallywithout departing from the spirit of this invention.

A similar problem is involved-in the finishing of corners of a building.The frames 7 are usuall formed of angle iron as will beunderstoo fromFig. 8 with the space between the legs of the angle open to exterior .ofthe wall and subsequent to the erection of the blocks and rods and thetightening of the rods, blocks 34 are provided covering this angle ironand these may be sustained in position by means of lag screws extendingthrough the angle iron and into the blockand positioned previous tothefinishing of the inner or outer faces of the block where such finish isfound to be'desirable. This finish is indicated by the word plaster onthe interior faces of the walls and as stucco or brick on the exteriorand, depending upon what this exterior facing is to be, the blocks 34.may have a surface effect corresponding to that of the building. Suchfeature, however, is only incidental and not an essential characteristicof this structure.

It is desirable in most cases to provide a horizontal rod indicated at36 in Fig. 7 close ly adjacent to the angle iron and this is true bothwith the vertical and horizontal angles or channels. For this purposethe angle or channel adjacent which the rod is to be positioned has agroove 37 rolled thereinto at the time of manufacture of the angle orother form of main member, it being in position to register with thegroove of the block 18 contacting therewith thus providing a space forthe rod which supports the end of the block.

In the arrangement of Fig. 7 this rod enables tension to be placed uponthe upper ends of the top row of the'inserted panels and also securesthe upper endof the blocks in position in the framework. It has commonlybeen the practice where a panel has' been inserted in the framework inprevious constructions to support the blocks in place by means of amortar or cement and in those previous cases the strength of the wall ismerely the strength of this mortared joint between the blocks and myconstruction differs in that the blocks are sustained in position solelyby means of the rods which encircle all four edges of the block. Thus,when these wires or rods are placed under tension it is not possible todisplace a panel except by pressure suiiicient to destroy the panel atits edges by reason of the fact that the edges of the panel overlap therods to fifty per cent of their diameter on all sides.

A strain greater than sufficient to break the edges of the panel isrequired to force a panel out of a completed wall due to the comressionstrains to which the blocks are subjected as will be evident from theforegoing. Therefore, while the metal framework is not of itself capableof sustaining any great load and the filler members themselves are lightin weight and not of a solidity equal to that of wood, yet under thecompression strains imposed thereon by placing the metal framework undertension the structures may withstand loads and strains in excess of theThe method of providing a partition wall between two other walls formedafter the manner described is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In ig. 10 theinterior partition is indicated generally by the numeral 38 having thehorizontal rod 39 and vertical rods 40, the filler block or panel beingindicated at 18. In the outer wall is introduced a vertical angle iron-11 one leg of which extends between the blocks 18 of the outer Wall andthe block in the right side of the angle in this particular constructionmay be cut out on the rear edge to provide a recess inwhich the leg 42of the angle 41 may lie and into which the ends of the rods 39-mayproject. This would be the arrangement in an outer wall not very greatin length in which the rods 10 would extend through apertures in theangle 41 but in the event of an outer wall section of such length inwhich the horizontal rods would Fig. 9 which consists of a channelmember 43 the base 44 of which forms an abutment for the panels of thepartition wall and is apertured to receive the horizontal rods 45 of thepartition. The legs of this channel are apertured to receive the ends ofthe rods 10 of the outerwall and these legs form the abutment for theblocks of the outer wall The opening between these legs in the outerface of the wall may be covered in any approved manner as by a block ofinsulating material indicated at 46 and the plaster, stucco, brick orother outer finish 47 for the wall extends over the block 18, thechannel member 43, and filler 46.

In the construction of the building shown there is a peculiar formationin the valley indicated in Figs. 14 and 15. The metal framework isillustrated in Fig. 15 and while channels have been shown other formsmight be used for the main framework at this point but the construction,however, is identical in principle with that previously described. Theroof rods extend into the channel member 12 and one edge of this channelreceives the ends of both series of rods that is, those runninglongitudinally of the roof element as well as those running toward theridge. These channels, if channels are used, may be covered as is shownin Fig. 14 with a filler member 48 secured by a lag screw 49 extendingthrough the channel 12. The edges of this block 48 may be slightlytapered so that on drawing the same into place by the lag screw 49 itwill bindingly engage opposite edges of the legs of the channel and withthe use of cementitious material along this edge as with the otherblocks and panels as previously described a water tight joint will besecured. \Vhile the blocks 28 shown in Fig. 7 do not wedge into place asjust described relative to the blocks 48 yet, as the faces thereof incontact with the channel or wall of the angle iron 6 are previouslycovered with a cementitious material, the drawing of the same tightly tolace by the lag screws 30 will seal the oint etween the block and thechannel. The roof surface in this particular case may also extend downover the upper face of this block as indicated by dotted lines 50 inFig. 7.

In the finishing of the roof of a building such as is here illustratedthe gable edge of the roof requires a finish and for this purpose theangle iron forming the gable of the metal frame indicated at 51 in Fig.16 is provided with a block 52 which provides a fascia member and thismember may have a depending portion 53 extending over the gable end ofthe wall and providing a finish therefor.

This may be formed of blocks as with the other cases of similar naturelike blocks 28, 34 and 48 and secured in place in a similar manner as bylag screws 54.

The walls of a structure such as is described are of necessity to beprovided with apertures for the reception of doors and windows and, inorder that the structure may be to the greatest degree of standard sizeof panels or filler members, the openings in the metal framework are ofthe same size as the openings provided for the panel members between thevertical and horizontal rods or a multiple of this size depending uponthe requirements of the particular case. This will be understood fromFig. 2 in which a window opening 2 is provided occupying a spaceapproximately equal in size and'area to that of six filler blocks orpanels. The frame for the opening may be of any desired shape in crosssection, as for instance as is shown in Fig. 13, the frame may bechannel like in form as indicated at 55 and is grooved as at 56 toreceive a vertical rod 4 of the framework and apertured to receive thehorizontal rods 10 of the framework.

From Fig. 2 it will be apparent that the vertical and hoizontal rodsterminate at this frame 55, there being a horizontal rod 10. on one sideand one of greater length 10 on the o posite side extending from thiswindow rame 55 to the respective corner members 7 of the wall section inwhich this frame is positioned. The metal window frame, being thus tiedin the metal framework, forms a component part thereof and does notintroduce a weakness into the wall structure. The window proper is to beintroduced into this framework and many expedients may be em loyed forthis purpose. I have shown in ig. 13 a molding 57 covering the inneredge of the frame 55 and a similar molding 57 on the exterior. In thisframe 55 is secured a hollow frame 58 to which a glassed panel.

sash 59 may be h'ingedly secured. If sliding sash are to be used thisframe structure would change to correspond to the form of the usualframes for sliding sash. Inasmuch as the ends of the rods whichterminate at the frame 55 extend through the frame and are provided witha nut 60 as shown in Fig. 13, it is desirable to cover these rod endsand nuts. For this purpose a light metal channel 61 may be secured tothe main frame 55.

A similar plan is followed in the provision of a door opening. This isindicated more particularly in section in Fig. 17 and in this case theopening for the door is formed by a frame 62 of the same generalcharacter as the window frame 55.

A channel 63 is secured on this frame covering the rod ends and nutstherefor of the metal skeleton and in this case this channel may providea stop for a door member 64 which is indicated as a hollow metal doorwhich may be hinged in any approved manner (not here shown)- in respectto this frame 62. As in the case of the window frame 55 this door frameforms a component part of the metal skeleton used in this structure andthe size and form of the door opening is a multiple of the size and formof the openings rovided for a standard wall panel. It is to e noted,however, that this invention is not restricted to making the frames ofthe doors and windows of a. size e ual to or a multiple of the size andform of a standard panel as it may be made of different sizes andsmaller filler members made especially to fill spaces less than the sizeof the standard Preferably, however, to keep this structure of standardparts in order that it may conform to the requirements for quantityproduction on a commercial scale, it is preferable that all openings andthe length and height of walls and of the roof portions be made toutilize a standard block throughout reducing to a minimum the necessityof use of odd sizes or shapes of filler members. To maintain thisstandardization of the elements used in the structure the blocksheretofore described such as the block 28, 33, 34, 48 and 52 may be madeof a standard length so as to correspond. to a standard length or heightof a Wall section in conjunction with which they are used.

Floors may be made of the same standard panels. In the type of floorshown in thelower end of Fig. 7 there is a concrete base 3 on which thepanels 18 may be directly placed. In case of a concrete foundation beingprovided for the outer wall, the first row ofpanels 18 may be shaped atthe bottom to rov'de base like portions extending upward y a distance oneach side of the wall block, and thus provide a base 65 in the interiorof the room and a similar portion 65 on the exterior eliminating thenecessity of placing separate pieces to provde a desirable wall finish.With a i Joana then the "its. upper-end,

, flower andu'pp'er Vall sections of a multiple sto y. u ing. doesnotten'd to when the app a floor unprovided with a concrete base or asecond story floor or ceiling, a differentv problem is presented and Ihave illustrated one plan of such a floor in Figs. 11 and 12. In

Fig. 11 I have shown channel members 66 and 67 forming two sides of theouter main frame of the metal skeleton for a second story floor. Thesemembers 66 being at a distance above the base of the structure provide athermal frame to which the vertical rods 4 of the first story of thewall are connected in the usual way substantially as with the angle ironform of Fig. 7-that is, the flanges of the channel are apertured toreceive the lower vertical rods and nuts are there provided by whichthese rods may be placed under tension. The second story rods terminatein the upper flange of this channel member 66 as a base in the samemanner so that the channel members forming the peripheral frame of thefloor skeleton be-' come a component part of both the wall structure andthe floor structure inasmuch as the rods 68 and 69 extend into the baseof these channels 66 and 67.

These rods 68 and 69 are spaced in the same manner as the vertical andhorizontal rods 4 and 10 of the wall section and thus take the samepanel or filler block and in the same general manner aswill be readilyunder stood. The wall structure forthe second story may have the panels18 resting directly on the upper flange of the channel 66 and 67 as isshown in the "said Fig. 11 and the panels that are inserted in thespacesbetween the rods 68 and 69 are put undertension in the same manner aswith the'wall as heretofore describedthat is, aft'erthe blocks have beenpositioned more orlless loosely-in place the rods 68 and 69ie'tightfened to place the filler blocksunder compression.

The vertical ods 4 for the jvvall heretofore mentioned may alsoterr'riinate'inajcommon nutor,couplgng 'lQ. will be understood mre l'flyfjfro Fig: 512, the lower rod 4 O thre'ad'edthereOn and v If 4 islfectefd it is threaded at its lowerlendi'hto the upper end of this nutsion on this member 4 from "niform through oth the By this plan themember 66 y M distorted throughfplacing a 'tensi on onth verticalrods; Aceiling may be constructed in the samegeneral manner in which'cfase theupper cross member of the top 1 of a wall se ction'provides theperipheral ceil- 'it may sustain is limitedsomewhat by the na- "ture ofthe constructonbu't if the'fioor is "of considerable "expanse, as isso'r'n'eti'ines the case even in dwellings, it is desirable'to stifienthe ,same to prevent'vibration and to-carry heav- I ;".ier loads.

Y ""1171 closely adjacent to one of the rods 68 WhlCh For'this purpose Iprovide a beam extends into the channel members 66 at opposite ends.This beam may be of the channel or I form and is preferably unattachedto the member 66. Th s will be understood more clearly from Fig. 12 fromwhich it is to be seen that the end of the beam 71 is supported on abracket 72 carried on a rod 4 just underneath the channel member 66 forthe introduction of which the panel members contactmg the lower flangeof the member 66 will need to be cut out slightly to provide a recessfor this bracketand the nut '73Ton the rod 4 supporting the same. Thisbeam preferably is not attached to the member 66 as in such case itwould tendto prevent plac ng-the filler members of the floor under thedesired compression strainthat is, if the beam 71 actually fittedbetween two opposite channel members 66 the extent to which thesechannel members may be sprung inwardly in tightening the nuts on therods 68 would be limited by the beam, but by providing space 73 betweenthe end of the beam 71 and the channel 66, the channel 66 may be flexedinwardly to the extent possible by the strain imposed by the tighteningof the nuts on the rods 68.

This beam as before stated tends to prevent vibration in the floorsurface as it is indcpendently supported on the vertical rods 4. A floorthus equipped is able to sustain greater load than if rods such as 68and 69 only were used within the encircl ng border frames 66 and 67. Itis also to be noted that in wall sections of more than usual expansesimilar members may be introduced vertically in the wall for the purposeof strengthening the same.

In structures of this character there is usually a chimney and a wallsection of my improved construction well adapts itself to a solut on ofthis problem. For instance in the type of building shown I haveindicated the chimney 75 in Fig. 5 where it may be seen how the ridgeangle bar may have one end introduced directly into the brick work asshown by dotted lines. Likewise, the angle member 51 forming the gableend of the metal framework may be anchored in this brick 'tion ofvarious structural features involved in a simple dwelling. that all thevarious problems of construction may be readily solved by my new form ofbuilding construction and to a major degree, with the exception of thepossible necessity of cutting a rod on a building or notching,

section may or cutting a panel to provide an odd shaped piece, thiswhole structure may be made of standard lengths of rods, channels orangles and standard size of filler members or panels for the walls,floors, partitions or root, and that as each unitary section of thewall, partitiongrooi or floor is assembled the rods for that unitaryportion if desired or necessary may be put under tension and the fillermembers under compression which is an essential feature of this type ofnst? tion for the reasons heretofore given.

There is an at onai problem of possibly minor importance arising in aconstruction of this character and that is-it is desirable that thetension and compression strains do not vary under variations intemperature or at least do not vary to any detrimental degree. Onereason is that a wall section, for instance, may be so located relativeto other buildings that a portion of such wall section is in dense shadewhile another portion may be subjected to direct rays of sunlight andthus an upper portion of the wall mum expansion and a lower portionthereof under little or no expansion due to heat either interiorl orexteriorly.

There ore,'a compensating means is provided in order that the rods andpanels of the colder lower portion of the wall may be under normaltension and compression strain and the rods and the panels of the upperheated section of wall also under normal tension and compressionstrains, Under these opposed conditions I provide, at least at that endof each rod at which the nut is turned up to apply a tension, a spring 76 beneath the nut which is put under compression by the turning of thenut and thus to a degree the spring member determines the strain towhich the rod may be put. Thus, under any expansion of the rod due toheat such as described above and consequent elongation of the rod. thetension on the rod is not decreased inasmuch as the amount of take-up inthe spring is greater than the expansion of the normal length of the rodto which it is ap lied which is normally not greater than oneearth of aninch in a length of approxi mately fifty feet of rod. Thus, under suchan expansion and due to the fact that the panel membersthemselves havesome tendency to expand under influence of heat (although to a lessdegree than the rod) the compression strain is maintained and the wallstherefore under such conditions ismaintained in its normal tension andcompression. This is likewise true in a cold portion of the wall as therods and panels tend to contract in a portion of a wall that ismaintained at less temperature. Therefore under varying temperatureconditions and by the use of a yieldable element between the nut andframe be under a condition of its maxior element through which the rodextends, the nornlal tension and compression in a wah or other sectionis maintained under varying temperature conditions. It is to be noted,however, that the invention is not in its broadest sense limited to theuse of a yieldable element in this manner.

I have heretofore indicated that the metal frame, such as the angles orchannel irons described, may be connected together by means of brackets,and it is to be understood that these may take any approved formdepending upon the form and relationship of the members to be thusconnected. However, one feature of such connection of the peripheralframe members of any section or unit of the structure, such for instanceas the bracket 9 in Fig. 11, is that the bolts connecting the bracketsto a longitudinal member, as the element 66, should be passed throughelongated apertures in the said member which allows the corner member 7to move inwardly slightly in placing a tension on the horizontal rods ofthe section outlined by these members 2' and 66. It is also to be notedthat, in placing the corner members 7 in a concrete wall 7 as indicatedin Fig. 19, it is preferable that on formation of the concrete wall arecess be formed for the lower end of the vertical member 7 and, afterthe frame has been at under tension, these recesses may then be lledwith a cement or concrete to fix the frame in position. It is by thisrelative latitude of movement of the main frame elements that the majorcompression strains may be placed on the panel members. My invention,however, is not limited to such looseness of'structure as the edges ofthe panel members may be covered with more or less cementitious materialto fully take up the space between fixed borderframes and the slightflexing of the border framesdue to tightening of the rods will placecompression strains on the panel members.

While I have described the members 4 and 10 and corresponding elementsof the metal skeleton as rods, it is to be understood that the term rod,or rods as used in the appended claims refers to the metal elementsextending between the border frames in a wall section or unit of thestructure and these may be either a solid rod, tubing or wires or otherform as may be found desirable for the particular building or elementthereof being constructed.

From the foregoing description it is evident that the various objects ofthe invention are secured by the construction described and that astructure thus formed is simple of erection, avoids the use of woodinthe form of lumber. and considerable labor saving is occasioned by thefact that the amount of cutting or fitting of the material or theerection and nailing to place as with lumber is avoided and that astructure superior in many respects is obtained as the material as awhole is more readily handled, is lighter in weight and by chemicallyimpregnating the filler members is fire resistant or fire retardant. Byuse of a filler member of a fibrous nature and therefore of a cellularstructure, a heat or cold insulation is provided superior to thatsecured by use of the commonly known building materials.

It is further to be noted that the construction described provides awall, partition, floor or roof unit that is capable of being placedunder tension and compression strains independent of other units of thestructurethat is, a side wall for instance can be built up in itsentirety and with the crossed rods or wires placed under tension and thefiller members for that wall section under compression,independently oftheotherwallunits. Also the partitions in such a structure may be placedunder tension and compression independently of the walls. This islikewise true of the floor or roof slabs.

Further, the construction permits ready repair in the event ofdestruction of a portion of a unit. The rods may be released from thetension, the fractured or partially destroyed filler blocks removed andnew ones introduced and rods again tightened as originally. Although themetal frame is concealed both interiorly and exteriorly, the blocks,such as 28, 32, 34 etc., may be removed thus exposing the rod ends andnuts therefor.

An additional feature and object of this invention is to provide aconstruction not confined to any predetermined design and yet formed ofstandard units capable of being made on a quantity basis by factorymethods without reference to any predetermined design as the buildingsto be constructed in this manner while not confined to -the design ofthe structure are confined to size of wall, roof or partition units asto length and'height to conform to the standard filler element.

Where heavier loads are to be carried as in a floor or roof section-thatis, loads greater than the safe load of the floor or roof sectionsconstructed as previously described-it is necessary to introducestrengthening members such as are indicated and described relative toFigs. 1 or 12. In that case the upper faces of the beams 71 arepractically flush with the upper surfaces of the filler members placedwithin the. frames. This, in some cases may be objectionable and I haveshown an alternative form of construction for floor and roof sections orwall sections where the pressures transversely of the floor or roofsection are sufficiently great as to require the additionalstrengthening means. This arrangement is shown in Figs. 21 and 22, Fig.21 being a portion of a floor section in which the longitudinal members80 are in the form of beams extending from one end of the border frame81 to the other 82. These beams are spaced to carry the proposed loadthere being a greater number of these beams with heavier loads and lesswith lighter loads. Usually, however, for construction of a roof orfloor section the beams are spaced the same as the rods of the previousstructure providing rectangular spaces of uniform size between'theserods and beams within the border frame. If greater loads are to becarried and therefore a greater number of beams required the fillermembers for the spaces will have to be made of special size for thepurpose. It is also to be noted that oftentimes there is a tical leg ofeach of which is formed to pro=-- vide a recess for a longitudinal tierod 87 which extend through apertures therefor in the border frames81and 82 and threaded at the said end to receive the nut as in theprevious construction described. The angle iron beam may be slightlyshorter than the distance between the end frames and supported at theends by a bracket such as the bracket 72 shown in Fig. 12 of thepreviously described construction. It is also to be noted that thetransverse rods 83 extend through apertures in the beams as indicated inFig. 22.

As shown in Fig. 22 it will be noted that the vertical portions of thebeam do not extend to the surface of the filler members 88 and 89 butthese members are notched in their end faces to engage over and enclosethe beam 80. Thus at these ends the blocks 88 and 89 rest upon thehorizontal flanges of the 1 beam. Therefore, not only is a greaterstrength secured by the use of the beams 80 but the block itself byreason of its manner of support on the beams can withstand much greaterpressure than is the case with the construction previously described inwhich the principal support for the filler member is the rod seating inthe half groove formed in the end or sides of the block as is the casewith the side edges of the blocks 88 and 89 of this alternativeconstruction.

The lower faces 90 of these blocks extend slightly below the lower faceof the beam 80 and thus upon application of the plaster 91 or otherfinish for the lower face of the floor 'or inner face of the wall formedaccording to this alternative plan the beam is entirely enclosed. It isalso to be understood that a cementitious material is applied to theedges of the filler members of this alternative construction and thatthe filler members are placed under the same compression strains by thetensioning of the rods 83 and 87 as is heretofore described relative tothe construction shown in Fig. 11.

It is also to be understood that various changes in details ofconstruction may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described a construction involving the fundamental andgeneral features of my invention, what I claim is 1. In buildingconstruction, a unitary structure for a wall, partition or a roofconsisting of a metal framework including a series of rod like elementsarranged to provide a plurality of spaces of substantially uniform size,filler members for the said spaces, means for placing the rod likeelements under tension to thereby place the filler member undercompression, a yieldable member for each rod like element placed undercompression by the placing of the tension on the rods and providing ameans automatically compensating for expansion and contraction in thestructure.

2. In building construction, a unitary structure for a wall, partition,floor or roof consisting of a metal framework including a series of rodlike elements arranged to provide a plurality of spaces of substantiallyuniform shape, filler members for the said spaces, means for placing thered like elements under tension to thereby place the filler elementsunder compression, and means whereby the tension and compression of thesaid elements is maintained substantially uniform under variations intemperature.

3. In building construction, a skeleton framework including metal tieelements substantially circular in cross section, a series of whichextend in one direction across the frame and a series of which extend inan opposite direction providing rectangular openings or spacestherebetween. a filler member of rectangular form for the said spaces,the said filler members each having a substantially half round groove inits opposite side faces in which one series of elements are positionedto approximately half their diameter and the end portions having similargrooves for metal elements running in the opposite direction and instaggered relation with the first named grooves corresponding to thestaggered relation of the tie elements, a cementitious coating appliedto the grooved faces of the filler members previous to their positioningin the frame, the said grooves being formed in the filler member belowthe center plane thereof, and means for placing the tie elements undertension whereby the filler members are brought to edge to edge and endto end contact with the cementitious coating filling the interstices andcovering the T elements;

4. In building construction, a metal framework comprising a peripheralframe of comparatively rigid form, a series of tie elements ripheralframes in extending between the to be placed under half their depth,said. filler members being materially reater in thickness than the tiemembers an the grooves therein being moreremote from that face of thetiller members to which a load may be applied, and means for placingtension on the tie members subsequent to the placing of the fillermembers.

In testimony whereof I sign this specification.

CORWIN D. WILLSON.

spaces of substantially um-

